Itching, burning, pain – many women are familiar with the symptoms that occur with a sore vagina. But what causes the irritation and what provides relief? We explain what causes a sore vagina and what home remedies help.
Our intimate health affects our overall well-being. It is therefore important to monitor changes in the vagina and vulva and to treat them if necessary. In addition to swollen labia or vaginal dryness, the vagina can also become sore. Symptoms can include itching, burning, redness, and swelling. But how did the complaint come about?
Table of Contents
Sore vagina: There are these causes
If your vagina feels sore, various factors can be to blame – first and foremost a wild love night. If we have intense sex over a long period of time , the sensitive mucous membranes of the vagina can become chafed – especially if it is not moist enough. To prevent discomfort after intercourse, you should always use lubricating gel as an aid if your vagina is not moist enough. Certain factors, such as long-term use of birth control pills or menopause, can cause vaginal dryness, which makes the vagina sore more quickly.
But a vaginal thrush can also make itself felt in addition to burning, itching and a changed discharge through a sore feeling in the vagina. But even after treating a vaginal thrush, the vagina can still feel sore for weeks because the inflammation scrapes the top layer of skin in the vagina. It can therefore take a while for the skin to recover afterwards. Soreness can also occur with STDs, which is why you should consult your gynecologist in combination with other symptoms or if the soreness does not go away after a few days.
By the way: external wound friction can also be caused by various factors such as cycling or clothing that is too tight.
Home remedies for a sore vagina
- Washing
As simple as it sounds, properly washing the genital area can actually work wonders when your vagina is sore. However, only wash with lukewarm water and avoid aggressive shower gels and soaps, which also irritate the mucous membranes. - Sitz baths
If the vagina is sore on the outside, a sitz bath can also help – this with chamomile is particularly helpful because of its soothing and wound-healing effect. You can get a suitable tub for the seat band at the pharmacy. - Breathable underwear
Wearing breathable underwear helps against external irritation and to prevent vaginal thrush, which in turn can cause a sore vagina. This way your vagina gets as much air as possible and stronger irritation is counteracted. - Cooling
Cold also helps against external irritation. As this numbs the upper nerve endings, which can relieve pain and burning. However, wrap a clean cotton cloth around the cool pack before you cool the affected area. - Ointments with urea
If the home remedies mentioned above do not provide relief, you can obtain creams, ointments or gels with urea from the pharmacy. These have a cooling effect and are moisture-regulating.
Important: If the cause of the sore vagina is a vaginal fungus, it should definitely be treated!